Fred Grandy

Fred Grandy is an American actor, politician, and broadcaster whose career spans television, government, and media. Grandy graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with a degree in English. His political interests began early, serving as a speechwriter for Republican congressman Wiley Mayne from Iowa's 6th congressional district before pursuing acting.

Grandy established a foundation in television with guest appearances on programs including "Love, American Style," "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Phyllis," and "Welcome Back, Kotter." He is widely recognized for his role as Burl Gopher Smith on the television series "The Love Boat." The show, set on a luxury cruise ship, became a cultural phenomenon and remains a significant part of Grandy's legacy. During the nine-season run of "The Love Boat," Grandy contributed both as an actor and a writer. He also performed in regional theater productions such as "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," "On Golden Pond," "I'm Not Rappaport," and "Give 'em Hell, Harry!"

After his acting career, Grandy returned to Sioux City to run for Congress from his home state of Iowa. He served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, participating on committees including Ways and Means, Agriculture, and Education and the Workforce. Grandy received multiple Watchdog of the Treasury awards for fiscal responsibility.

Following his congressional service, Grandy ran for governor of Iowa and later served as president of Goodwill Industries. He taught at the School of Public Affairs at the University of Maryland College Park and became a political commentator on National Public Radio. Grandy also co-hosted "The Grandy & Andy Morning Show" on WMAL-FM in Washington, D.C., later renamed "The Grandy Group." His career reflects experience in television, politics, nonprofit leadership, and radio broadcasting.